IMF Requirements

October 18, 2017markok

Interoperable Master Format (IMF)

IMF Image Format

IMF is a single, interchangeable master file format based on JPEG2000 compression to minimize storage requirement, allowing flexible versioning of the content. A single IMF package (IMP) may contain a variety of versions of the same content: different language, aspect ratios or playlists. It is loosly based on the DCP concept.

Audio files shall be wrapped for 5.1 sound with the following channel assignments:

Channel 1—Left

Channel 2—Right

Channel 3—Center

Channel 4—LFE

Channel 5—Left Surround

Channel 6—Right Surround

If two (2) channels of sound (Stereo—LtRt) are required, a separate CPL shall be used within the same DCP.

Finalize Version File Packages (Supplementals)

Version File (aka Supplemental) packages are IMPs with such playlists (CPLs) that contain assets from other packages. Original Version IMPs on the other hand are self-contained and have all assets inside the IMP.

Version File (VF) packages are supplementing other IMF IMPs. A VF is defining a composition that uses assets from the package as well as assets from other packages, typically an Original Version. Thus, the VF package can be used to fix or alter another package without the need of media duplication. VF packages are most often used to define localised versions of titles with potentially parts of the video or the complete audio replaced, subtitles added.

Transwrap

In case the source is compatible for transwrapping no J2K encoding will be executed, only the source will be rewrapped into a new MXF container.